The Fire are fresh off their biggest win of the season after taking down the then-first place Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night.
Now, the Fire will head to San Jose to take on the Earthquakes this Sunday before returning to Soldier Field for a three-game homestand.
Here’s what to look for in the Gerber Collision and Glass Scouting Report as Ezra and the boys head west.
FIGURING IT OUT
San Jose started the season out winless in their first seven games and promptly fired head coach Matias Almeyda. Since his dismissal, the Earthquakes have gone 3-3-3, but still sit in 14th place in the Western Conference on 15 points.
San Jose have a dangerous attack that features the likes of Jeremy Ebobisse, Cristian Espinoza and Jamiro Monteiro. All of these names are proven MLS attacking entities, and Ebobisse is tied for second in the Golden Boot Race with nine goals.
Monteiro, a former member of the Union, is a clever No. 10 who can combine, and is very dangerous if given time and space. Espinoza has pace, loves to drive at defenders, and is most certainly a match-winner. U.S. U-20 international Cade Cowell is with the U-20s at the CONCACAF Championship, but got suspended for the rest of the tournament due to violent and unsportsmanlike conduct against Costa Rica.
The ‘Quakes' issues have been predominantly along the backline. Alex Covelo’s side have been bleeding goals. San Jose are the worst defensive team in MLS, conceding 34 goals in their first 16 games of the season.
The Fire should have time and space to be able to attack San Jose’s ‘keeper, JT Marcinkowski. This defensive issues have prevented the ‘Quakes from being able to hold onto results. It is difficult to win games when you’re conceding more than two goals per game…even if your attack is ranked fifth in the conference.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is another game in which I think the Fire can get a result if they simply focus on themselves. Beating Philly was more about sticking to a tactical game plan and being wary of the counter and the pieces Jim Curtin’s side has. San Jose have proven to be a dangerous-yet-attackable team. Defensive discipline and a killer instinct in the attacking third will prove fruitful.
Jackson Yeuill will set the tempo in the middle of the park with Judson acting as their version of Federico Navarro.
When San Jose go, they go with pace and conviction. Wednesday’s match took a lot out of the back line, and they will need to bounce back in a big way to deal with this potent, high-octane attack. Rafael Czichos will need to have another herculean performance with Carlos Terán displaying the same discipline and tenacity we saw against the Union midweek.
Any type of result is welcomed but how SWEET would three points be coming back to Chicago for three games at Soldier Field!? VAMOS!
